Popular events, festivals returning in Kitchener
Posted Apr 1, 2022 10:05:00 PM.
Many popular events and festivals in the City of Kitchener will be returning this year.
The mayor and members of council announced the return on in-person events on Friday.
“I’m optimistic that we’re headed toward a spring, summer and fall full of community reconnection and positive memories that will spark our Kitchener community spirit once again,” Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, stated in a news release.
Some of the events making a comeback include the KW Multicultural Festival in late June, Cruising on King, as well as the Downtown Kitchener Ribfest and Craft Beer Show.
The rest of the details were contained in a news release:
To learn more about upcoming events and festivals visit www.kitchenerevents.ca.
Events and festivals
King StrEATery Food Truck Festival & Our World Festival of Music
Sunday, June 12
Join Big Brothers Big Sisters of Waterloo Region for the largest food truck festival of the year with more than a dozen food trucks, craft beer garden, live music, and entertainment.
Neighbours Night
Friday, June 17, Victoria Park
Kick off the summer with the city’s first major outdoor event since 2019. Bring your lawn chairs to Victoria Park, reconnect with neighbours from across our community and enjoy a free concert headlined by national recording artists Virginia to Vegas and Delaney Jane with special guest Reve. More details to come.
Neighbours Day
Saturday, June 18
Residents are invited to join us for a neighbourhood porch party! From porches to driveways, front lawns to boulevards, local musicians will lend their unique talents by staging pop-up concerts in neighbourhoods all over Kitchener.
Summer Lights Festival
Saturday, June 18
Ignite the night by celebrating the best of art, tech, dance, music and creative experiences in Downtown Kitchener. More details about the region’s most popular nighttime festival will be announced in the coming months.
KW Multicultural Festival
June 25-26, Victoria Park
An opportunity for the community to share food, fun, music, and dance. Featuring community groups, ethnic associations, artisans, and both professional and amateur performers from our community. Applications will open soon.
Canada Day
Friday, July 1, Downtown Kitchener
and the annual Canada Day celebration on July 1 in downtown Kitchener with activities for the whole family and a huge concert into the evening to cap off the night. Save the date for Downtown Kitchener Ribfest and Craft Beer Stay tuned for artist announcements.
Cruising on King
Friday, July 9, Downtown Kitchener
The biggest street party of the year is back with classic cars lining King Street surrounded by live entertainment and bustling patios.
Downtown Kitchener Ribfest and Craft Beer Show
July 15-17, Victoria Park
Celebrate the best summer has to offer! Enjoy mouth-watering barbequed ribs and chicken, an incredible selection of Ontario craft-brewed beer, plus live entertainment, and a Kids Fun Zone, all in the open atmosphere of Victoria Park.
Wayback Festival
Saturday, July 23
Kitchener’s annual classic-rock weekend returns under a new name. This year’s concert will be headlined by legendary Canadian rockers. Stay tuned for artist announcements.
TD Kitchener Blues Festival
August 4-7, Downtown Kitchener
The largest true blues festival in Canada returns with four days of outstanding international blues acts and local talent. Visit the website for artist information as it becomes available. Vendor applications are also being accepted until May 13.
Kidspark
Sunday, August 21, Victoria Park
It’s fun. It’s free. It’s amazing. Kids of all ages are invited to the annual festival in Victoria Park, bringing together music, learning, food, and fun.
K-W Oktoberfest
September 23 – October 15
Canada’s largest Bavarian Festival is back this year, better than ever! Onkel Hans and Tante Frieda are excited to see you don your Tracht, raise a stein, polka around, and enjoy delicious Bavarian cuisine from German Clubs and local restaurant partners.
KW Greek Festival
Eat, drink, dance, Opa! 2022 festival date and details to be announced.
For more information about upcoming events, festivals and things to do in Kitchener visit www.kitchenerevents.ca or www.kitchener.ca/thisweek.
Local sports
The Rangers are welcoming fans back in full capacity at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. There are only two home games left at the Aud this season where you can cheer on the Rangers as they make a late season playoff push.
Opening their National Basketball League of Canada season with a new coach in February, the Titans are happy to welcome fans back in full capacity at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. Single and group tickets are on sale now.
The Intercounty Baseball League season is almost here! The Panthers’ opening day is on Friday, May 20 in London and they return to Jack Couch Park for their home opener on Monday, May 23. Single and season tickets are on sale now.
City facilitates and downtown patios
Full capacity and special events have returned to the Kitchener Market! Visit the Market events calendar to see what is planned, like the DTK Maple Sugar Shack on April 2. The Saturday farmers’ market will have vendors moving outdoors soon. Look for live music, movies, artisan markets, cooking and DIY classes all spring and summer. To learn more about the Kitchener Market visit www.kitchenermarket.ca
City community centres are hosting fun and activities throughout the spring and summer. Look for neighbourhood events near you or Book Free Space if you want to organize your own activity or hobby group or neighbourhood meeting.
Outdoor patios
Restaurant patios have become a permanent fixture across our community. The City anticipates as many as 75 expanded patios to continue across Kitchener. 25 of these patios will be in Downtown Kitchener thanks to the Downtown Kitchener BIA’s Patio Program featuring a custom-designed patio experience.
Arts and culture
February 19 – May 15, 2022
Every year, Expressions showcases student art from across Waterloo Region and highlights the perspectives and experiences of young artists in our community. This year, students were encouraged to see celestial movement as a symbol of change and reflect on how they have moved, adapted and grown over the past year.
Extended until April 18, 2022
UNZIPPED is the first international exhibition devoted to the world-famous rock band, The Rolling Stones.
